HT Media Limited – Investor Presentation Summary

Key Operational Highlights

  • Operating revenue grew 11% year-on-year to ₹437 crore for Q1 FY27.
  • The Print business remained the anchor with advertising revenue growth of 15% YoY to ₹295 crore.
  • Circulation revenue remained resilient with 1% YoY growth to ₹52 crore.
  • Radio revenue grew 3% YoY to ₹32 crore following the surrender of non-viable FM radio frequencies.
  • Digital revenue moderated by 28% YoY to ₹27 crore due to portfolio streamlining initiatives.

Key drivers of operational performance: Steady advertising revenue in Print, disciplined cost management, and strategic portfolio rationalization in Radio and Digital businesses.

Segment-wise Performance

Print Business (HT Media Ltd. and HMVL)

  • Operating Revenue: ₹376 crore (16% YoY growth)
  • Operating EBITDA: ₹50 crore (244% YoY growth)
  • Operating EBITDA Margin: 13% (vs. 4% in Q1 FY26)

Radio Business

  • Operating Revenue: ₹32 crore (3% YoY growth)
  • Operating EBITDA: -₹3 crore (improved from -₹7 crore in Q1 FY26)
  • Operating EBITDA Margin: -11% (vs. -21% in Q1 FY26)

Digital Business

  • Operating Revenue: ₹27 crore (28% YoY decline)
  • Operating EBITDA: -₹3 crore (similar to Q1 FY26)
  • Operating EBITDA Margin: -12% (vs. -8% in Q1 FY26)

Explanation of significant changes in segment performance: Print segment growth was driven by strong advertising performance. Radio improved due to footprint optimization. Digital declined due to deliberate portfolio reset around leaner offerings.

Financial Highlights

Consolidated Performance (HT Media Ltd.)

  • Revenue: ₹437 crore (Operating Revenue)
  • EBITDA: ₹90 crore (before exceptional items and share of JVs)
  • PAT: ₹47 crore (before exceptional items and share of JVs)
  • EBITDA Margin: 18% (vs. 6% in Q1 FY26)
  • PAT Margin: 9% (vs. 1% in Q1 FY26)

YoY comparison: Revenue grew 11% YoY, EBITDA surged 224% YoY, and PAT increased 991% YoY.

Drivers of financial performance: Higher revenue growth, disciplined cost management (employee cost reduced 11% YoY to ₹99 crore), and operational efficiencies.

Key Risks: Elevated newsprint prices, weaker rupee, and global supply-chain uncertainties.

Hindustan Media Ventures Ltd. (Subsidiary) Performance

  • Operating Revenue: ₹197 crore (20% YoY growth)
  • EBITDA: ₹75 crore (109% YoY growth)
  • PAT: ₹56 crore (113% YoY growth)
  • EBITDA Margin: 31% (vs. 19% in Q1 FY26)
  • PAT Margin: 23% (vs. 14% in Q1 FY26)

Balance Sheet Snapshot

  • Cash position remains robust (as highlighted in presentation)
  • The Board approved a preferential issue to strengthen the Company's capital structure and streamline its debt profile

Capex & Cash Flow Health

Not specified in the presentation.

Strategic & R&D Initiatives

  • Digital business reset around leaner, more focused offerings to drive sustainable and profitable growth
  • Radio business operating on a leaner and more sustainable footprint after surrender of non-viable licenses
  • Preferential issue planned to provide capital for general business requirements

Industry Trends & Business Environment

Macro/Industry Trends: Elevated newsprint prices, weaker rupee, global supply-chain uncertainties.

Impact on Company: These factors are cited as causes for concern going forward, potentially affecting cost structure.

Management Commentary & Growth Outlook

Strategic Outlook: "We began the financial year on a steady note... Print remained the anchor of the business... We remain focused on strengthening our core businesses, delivering trusted journalism and quality content, and creating sustainable, long-term value for all our stakeholders." - Mrs. Shobhana Bhartia, Chairperson and Editorial Director

FY Guidance: Not specifically provided in the presentation.

Risks and Opportunities: Management highlighted concerns about elevated newsprint prices, weaker rupee, and global supply-chain uncertainties going forward.